Summer Education Program

KIDS MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP

About the Program

The Kids’ Musical Theatre Camp is a four-week in-depth musical theatre experience for young people directed by Rubicon Youth Program alumnus and Pacific Conservatory Theatre (formerly PCPA) graduate, Seryozha La Porte. This program introduces younger actors to the deeper disciplines involved in putting on a musical production. Following the more rigorous schedule established for Musical Theatre Workshop, the middle school Musical Theatre Camp rehearses six days a week for seven hours each day. Students learn and grow through the use of theatre games, dance training, vocal exercise and scene study, preparing them for the more advanced levels of theatre that will carry them through to our older programs, all while putting on a musical theatre production with live performances.

About the Show

Set in the little village of Anatevka during the early 20th Century, the story of Fiddler on the Roof, JR. centers on Tevye, a poor dairyman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to marry off his daughters and instill in them a sense of tradition in the face of growing persecution in Pre-Soviet Russia. Fiddler on the Roof JR. is a great introduction to the world of musical theatre. Young performers will love its humor, warmth and honesty.

Character Descriptions:

TEVYE is the heart and conscience of Fiddler on the Roof JR. Tevye has a zest for life. The actor should be able to show the wide range of conflict, joy and pain that this character feels throughout the story. The actor should be comfortable speaking directly to the audience and must develop a comfortable rapport with them. He must have a strong, easily projected voice.

GOLDE is the backbone of the family. She has a rather gruff exterior, but in her heart is sheer dedication to her family. Golde runs the household, and must be able to keep Tevye’s more emotional side in check. She should have a commanding voice.

TZEITEL is the oldest daughter of Tevye and Golde. She must be a strong dramatic actress, and is the first to challenge the traditions of Anatevka by pleading with her father to let her marry Motel the tailor, to whom she has pledged her love.

HODEL is a strong, independent middle child. She is outspoken but respectful. She has her eye on the Rabbi’s son at the outset of the story, but she is charmed by the revolutionary Perchick the moment she meets him, though she may not show it right away. Her dedication and love is real as she follows him to Siberia. The actor must be an excellent singer and actor.

CHAVA is the scholarly daughter who loves to read. Her love for Fyedka, a Russian, tests her father to the very limit and provides the largest conflict in the story. The actor should have a wide emotional range.

SHPRINTZE and BIELKE are the youngest daughters of Tevye and Golde. They are considerably younger than the three matchmaker daughters. They are featured in quite a few scenes and should be confident on stage. 

MOTEL is the poor, young tailor who is charmed with Tzeitel. He is sensitive and nervous, yet lovable.

PERCHIK is a young student who has radical new ideas that challenge the traditions of the community. He is a strong character, and clashes with Tevye idealistically, but is likable, charming and ultimately becomes a loyal family member.

LAZAR WOLF THE BUTCHER is the town’s wealthiest citizen and is the same age as, if not older, than, Tevye. Lazar must appear rather distasteful and feisty, which is why Tzeitel is frightened to marry him. Lazar is one of the featured singers in “To Life”.

THE FIDDLER must be an actor who can hold the attention of an entire audience with stylized movement, facial expression and dance. Freedom of movement and expression are the keys to this character. The Fiddler is a silent role, yet an important one, and can be played by either a boy or a girl.

YENTE is the matchmaker in the village. She is a busybody and knows all the news of the town. The actor should have great comedic timing.

THE CONSTABLE is the local sheriff representing the Russian government. The Constable is a complex character, caught between his good nature towards the people of Anatevka and his duty to the non-Jewish Russian government. This is a non-singing role that requires a strong actor.

FYEDKA is a strong, young, Russian soldier who falls in love with Chava. This is a great role for a strong, non-singing actor.

FEATURED ENSEMBLE

MORDCHA, YUSSEL, AVRAM, the RABBI and MENDEL are important roles that add much to the richness of the community portrayed in Fiddler on the Roof JR. Mordcha is a friendly, interesting innkeeper. Yussel is a hatter. Avram is a bookseller. Mendel is the Rabbi’s son. The Rabbi is the spiritual center of the community and the actor should be able to play an old man onstage. He should have a comic feel, although this is a serious role. These roles have parts in  “To Life” that can be spoken or sung.

VILLAGERS & RUSSIAN SOLDIERS

THE VILLAGERS portray PAPAS, MAMAS, SONS or DAUGHTERS. Also included in this group are the GUESTS, INN PATRONS, MOTEL’s PARENTS and MOTEL’s RELATIONS.